Press Release

The Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York hosted a reception to observe the first anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal as well as Nepal’s National Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, today. Speaking in the programme, the Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the leader of Nepali delegation to the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), welcomed the guests and highlighted that the Constitution of Nepal “adheres to universally accepted norms of democratic polity; and ensures pluralism, the rule of law, representative and accountable government, and social and economic justice.” Underlining that equality remains at the core of the constitution, the Hon. Minister said that the ultimate goal of the Constitution is to consolidate peace, stability and bring about prosperity in the country.

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Mr. Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, stated that the Constitution materializes the aspiration of a vast diversity of population for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous country. Similarly, Under Secretary-General Mr. Geoffrey Feltman read out a congratulatory message sent by the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon.

The reception was attended by heads of delegations, ministers, Ambassadors/Permanent Representatives of friendly countries; President of the General Assembly H.E. Peter Thomson; senior officials of United Nations and its agencies; members of Nepali delegation to the 71st session of the UNGA and prominent Nepali nationals living in New York; and the Permanent Mission and the Consulate General family.

Similarly, a separate program was organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in New York to celebrate the national day. Addressing the programme, the Hon. Foreign Minister highlighted Nepal’s quest for democracy and pluralism and underlined present Government’s priorities to institutionalize peace and stability in the country. Minister Dr. Mahat stressed on the importance of effective implementation of the Constitution drafted and promulgated by the people’s representatives last year. A large number of Nepali community representing various organizations were present during the occasion.

Earlier today, the Hon. Minister participated in the High-Level Event on Regionalism and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development organized by the Regional Commissions New York Office. In his keynote address delivered on the occasion, the Hon. Minister Dr. Mahat said that this was the time to focus on all possible ways and means to collaborate for achieving the SDGs. He said that regionalism can be an important vehicle to generate useful information, enable sharing of experiences, and create a bridge between national development agenda and the global SDG framework.

Also this afternoon, the Hon. Minister held a meeting with H.E. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General at the latter’s office. The two sides touched upon a number of issues ranging from implementation of Constitution to Nepal’s role in UN peacekeeping operations, and from Nepal-UN cooperation to the pressing issues of climate change and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Also present in the meeting were Hon. Mr. Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Member of Legislature Parliament; Dr. Somlal Subedi, Chief Secretary; Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Foreign Secretary; and H.E. Mr. Bhattarai, Ambassador/Permanent Representative. From the United Nations side too, senior officials were present in the meeting.

The Hon. Minister Mahat held a bilateral meeting with his Singaporean counterpart H.E. Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan today. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral and multilateral interests, including Singapore Cooperation Programme, business exchanges and investment in Nepal.

Similarly, US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migrants Ms. Anne C. Richard called on Dr. Somlal Subedi, Chief Secretary, and talked about Nepal-US cooperation in issues related to refugee and migration.

Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations
New York
23 September 2016